Chapter 406: Cheating Rumors

Chapter 406: Chapter 406: Cheating Rumors

Thanks to Irene’s mature and efficient directorial coordination, coupled with the increasingly seamless synergy among the entire crew, the subsequent filming progress of Transformers advanced by leaps and bounds, with every scene proceeding exceptionally smoothly.

Whether it was the increasingly proficient performances by Chris and Scarlett against non-existent special effects, or the on-location shooting for military scenes and outdoor mecha battles, the production maintained a high-efficiency, low-NG standard.

Many detailed shots that were originally estimated to require delays and adjustments were all approved in one take under Irene’s precise control.

The overall atmosphere of the set was relaxed yet efficient, free from the anxious internal friction common in big-budget commercial films.

The shooting pace steadily accelerated, and before anyone realized it, time had quietly arrived at July 16, 2004. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

That afternoon, Irene specifically arranged for the crew to wrap up early.

The remaining aerial shots for the day were of extremely low difficulty and could easily be postponed for a day of reshoots; everything was done just to clear enough time to attend the global premiere of the sci-fi blockbuster I, Robot, which was being heavily distributed by Fox Pictures.

As the commercial sci-fi film Fox Pictures was betting heavily on this year, it starred Will Smith, and the pre-release publicity was overwhelming, covering almost every film and television platform in the United States, with extremely high industry attention.

As one of Hollywood’s hottest emerging directors, with multiple hit projects in her hands and being a core creative partner in deep collaboration with Fox Pictures, Irene naturally received an official premiere invitation of the highest caliber.

At dusk, the red carpet at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles was brightly lit, with spotlights flashing throughout the night.

Hollywood artists, creators, film critics, and media reporters gathered at the scene, with cameras lined up on both sides of the red carpet, the sound of shutters rising and falling, merging into a continuous roar.

Irene wore a simple yet elegant black satin gown, her makeup exquisite and understated, her temperament cool and composed.

As soon as she appeared, she instantly drew the spotlight of all the lenses.

After walking the red carpet at a leisurely pace, Irene cooperated with the organizers’ arrangements and stopped for brief interviews with several mainstream entertainment media outlets.

The reporters’ questions were mostly gentle and safe, with topics basically revolving around the progress of the currently hot Transformers shoot.

Facing the cameras, Irene was poised and generous, speaking clearly and logically, sharing the status of the crew without reservation.

"The filming progress of the entire film is very smooth; actor synergy, special effects preparation, and on-location coordination are all steadily advancing. The progress of the two young actors, Chris and Scarlett, is truly astonishing.

From their initial unfamiliarity and confusion with acting against non-existent special effects to now being able to perfectly handle large-scale human-machine interaction scenes, their growth speed has far exceeded my expectations. Our team has been constantly refining the details, hoping to subvert the stereotypes of traditional mecha remake films and present the audience with a brand-new sci-fi blockbuster that combines texture, plot, and special effects."

These few words both responded to public expectations and indirectly praised the leading actors, balancing the crew’s reputation with the studio’s publicity.

Her flawless answer made the reporters present nod in approval.

After a few rounds of routine interviews, Irene politely nodded and prepared to turn and leave, accompanied by her agent, Shelly, to head to the internal screening lounge for a rest.

But just as she turned, an entertainment reporter squeezed into the front row of the crowd suddenly broke through the security cordon, stepped forward, and shoved a microphone straight into Irene’s face.

Speaking at high speed and in a raised voice, filled with strong subjective emotion and gossip fervor, the reporter precisely threw out a private topic that was the subject of intense online discussion, instantly shattering the peaceful atmosphere of the scene.

"Irene! Wait a moment!" The reporter’s shout attracted the attention of everyone present. The sound of shutters exploded instantly, and all lenses locked onto Irene. "According to reliable industry sources, during the time you were leading the filming of Transformers, you had a private dinner with the creative team of Mr. & Mrs. Smith! Recently, the internet has been buzzing with rumors that Brad Pitt cheated on his wife, Jennifer Aniston, with Angelina Jolie. Since you were there the whole time, did you witness any ambiguous interactions between the two? Is this cheating rumor true or false?"

The question was sharp, direct, and highly explosive, precisely hitting the hottest gossip topic in Hollywood at the moment.

In 2004, Pitt and Aniston were still considered the model couple in the hearts of American audiences, with extremely high national popularity.

While his affair with Jolie had been quietly fermenting, there was never any concrete evidence.

The media had been struggling to find a breakthrough, and now, having caught Irene—the only industry bigwig who had been in contact with both parties and experienced the dinner scene firsthand—they naturally would not let go of such an excellent opportunity for a scoop.

The surroundings fell silent instantly.

All reporters and staff held their breath, waiting for the answer, their eyes fixed on Irene, waiting for her to drop a bombshell.

Once Irene confirmed the rumor, it would inevitably ignite the entire internet and set off the biggest public opinion storm of the year in Hollywood.

Facing the sudden, tricky trap, Irene’s expression did not waver.

There was not a trace of panic in her eyes; she remained calm and indifferent.

She had not spent these years for nothing; she had long since honed the on-the-spot adaptability of a top public figure.

She lowered her eyes slightly, paused for a moment, then looked up at the camera.

Her tone was flat and restrained, her wording rigorous and detached, perfectly avoiding all public opinion traps.

"I am not aware of the rumors you are referring to," Irene said, her tone steady, impartial, and without a single flaw.

"The previous encounter between the two crews was just a very ordinary dinner for the creative teams within the industry. The entire atmosphere was open, pleasant, and pure. It was merely friendly exchanges between colleagues, without any inappropriate or excessive private actions. I am focused on the set filming and film creation, and I rarely pay attention to outside entertainment gossip, so it is not appropriate for me to comment on private rumors."

This single sentence completely blocked all gossip speculation.

She neither denied the fact of the dinner nor confirmed any scandals.

She did not take sides, did not leak information, and did not make inferences, perfectly avoiding all public opinion risks.

As her voice fell, Irene turned her eyes subtly, signaling to her agent, Shelly, at her side.

The tacit understanding from years of working together allowed Shelly to instantly grasp the intention.

Shelly immediately stepped forward, elegantly yet firmly blocking in front of Irene, raising a hand to keep the encroaching microphones and cameras at bay, and smiled as she politely declined.

"Thank you for your attention, media friends. We will not respond to private rumors. The premiere is about to officially begin, please cooperate by leaving and watching the film in an orderly manner."

Taking advantage of the gap while Shelly blocked the reporters, Irene did not linger.

With a calm and decisive posture, she turned around, walked straight through the crowd, and quickly entered the exclusive lounge inside the theater, completely cutting off the outside noise and camera flashes.

The VIP lounge, isolated from the outside chaos, was quiet and elegant.

The warm yellow lighting was soft and gentle, the soft furnishings were luxurious and high-end, and a few people from the industry were chatting in low voices, the atmosphere relaxed and tranquil.

Irene looked up and scanned the room, instantly seeing Adelaide Griffin walking towards her.

As the current CEO of Fox Pictures, Adelaide was not only the core person in charge of I, Robot, but also one of Irene’s close industry friends with whom she had a great personal relationship.

A warm smile immediately bloomed on Adelaide’s face.

She stepped forward quickly, hugged Irene lightly, and said with a tone full of sincere gratitude.

"I am really so grateful to you, Irene. With the filming schedule for Transformers being so tight, you were still able to specially set aside time to come and show support. I am truly surprised and very touched."

Irene patted her back lightly, her smile gentle.

"There is no need for such politeness between us. I naturally have to come and support your key work this year. Even if I am busy, I have to come."